Mrs PADGHAM-PURICH - 1994-10-06
I could have asked this question of the Minister for Health and Community Services, but I prefer to ask it of the Attorney-General. I know that the Criminal Code addresses the matter of assault perpetrated by one person on another, but there is a certain form of assault inflicted on women that does not receive the legal stricture, if any, that it deserves. This violence to women originates in countries in the Middle East. An increasing number of migrants, who
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conduct these revolting practices against their little girls and girl babies, are coming to Australia and the Northern Territory. When will the Attorney-General introduce amendments to the Criminal Code to ensure that the full weight of the law is thrown at those medical practitioners and others who indulge in, or are accessory to, the sadistic, perverted and mutilating practice of female circumcision?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am sure that the practice to which the member refers would not be tolerated by any member of this Assembly.
Mrs Padgham-Purich: What are you going to do about it?
Mr FINCH: To be quite honest, I am not sure what provisions are available already in the Criminal Code, and other legislation to cover actions of this kind. Certainly, I will pursue the specific issue. No cases have been brought to my attention in the Northern Territory. I am aware that the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General is looking at this matter on a national basis. Naturally enough, each state legislature would need to examine its own areas as well to ensure that a common approach is taken. It is a matter that is taken seriously, and I thank the honourable member for her question. I will advise her in due course of the details of what is proposed locally and nationally.
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conduct these revolting practices against their little girls and girl babies, are coming to Australia and the Northern Territory. When will the Attorney-General introduce amendments to the Criminal Code to ensure that the full weight of the law is thrown at those medical practitioners and others who indulge in, or are accessory to, the sadistic, perverted and mutilating practice of female circumcision?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am sure that the practice to which the member refers would not be tolerated by any member of this Assembly.
Mrs Padgham-Purich: What are you going to do about it?
Mr FINCH: To be quite honest, I am not sure what provisions are available already in the Criminal Code, and other legislation to cover actions of this kind. Certainly, I will pursue the specific issue. No cases have been brought to my attention in the Northern Territory. I am aware that the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General is looking at this matter on a national basis. Naturally enough, each state legislature would need to examine its own areas as well to ensure that a common approach is taken. It is a matter that is taken seriously, and I thank the honourable member for her question. I will advise her in due course of the details of what is proposed locally and nationally.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016